With the domestic tobacco market in steady decline, Altria is looking abroad to recapture its growth streak. The international wing of Philip Morris now accounts for three-fifths
of the company's global tobacco sales, which ties its fortunes closely to the dollar's strength. Even with litigation looming over its head, it's still a smooth-running profit
machine, with $12 billion in net income last year.

After the Kraft spinoff, Altria will be able to focus exclusively on its rich tobacco assets. The company also expects to launch a profitable new menthol brand, Marlboro Smooth,
this year.